Global river map created to improve flood modelling:
A team of researchers, led by Oxford University, have created the most detailed map of the world’s rivers ever, which could transform how we prepare for and respond to flooding.
As rainfall becomes more erratic as a result of climate change, floods are expected to become more frequent and severe in many parts of the world. Until now, river maps have often overlooked more complex features, such as when a single river channel splits into multiple channels. Yet these branching river systems are important because they are often found in densely populated, flood‐prone regions, and provide critical insights into water movement across the Earth’s surface.
Known as GRIT (Global River Topology), the new global river map shows not just where rivers flow, but how they split, branch, and interact with the surrounding landscape. Built using high-resolution satellite images and advanced elevation data it maps over 12 million miles of rivers, providing a far more complete view of water movement. Scientists and Governments can use GRIT to understand where water is likely to go at large scales, helping to improve flood models, water management systems and disaster planning.
‘We needed a global map that reflects the way rivers actually behave,’ said Dr Michel Wortmann, who developed GRIT at Oxford as a Research Associate on the EvoFLOOD project. ‘It’s not enough to assume rivers just go downhill in a straight line—especially not when we’re trying to predict floods, understand ecosystems, or plan for climate impacts. This map shows the world’s rivers in their full complexity.’
Read more about GRIT here: https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2025-05-16-researchers-remap-worlds-rivers-improve-flood-modelling
New electric car battery plant to be built in the North East of England:
AESC have secured £1 billion in funding for a new electric car battery plant in Sunderland.
The new gigafactory being built at the International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP) in Washington will support 1,000 jobs and power 100,000 electric vehicles annually.
Plans for the plant were approved in 2024 and it will be the second in Sunderland for AESC UK, which is Nissan’s battery partner.
The gigafactory will make the UK more globally competitive in the EV field and help it achieve its net zero target.
The Chancellor added: “This investment in Sunderland will not only further innovation and accelerate our move to more sustainable transport, but it will also deliver much-needed high quality, well-paid jobs to the North East, putting more money in people’s pockets.”
Sunniest Spring on record for Wales
Wales has had its sunniest spring on record according to data from the Met Office.
From 1 March to 28 May, Wales basked in 648 hours of sunshine – higher than the UK average.
Kathryn Chalk, a Met Office meteorologist, said this provisional figure beat the previous peak of 647 hours in 2020.
Overall, the UK has clocked 636.8 hours of sunshine in spring this year, beating the previously set record of 626 hours set in 2020. Wales, Scotland and Ireland have all set new peaks this year but England has not surpassed it’s peak at this point in time.
Met Office sunshine data goes back to 1910, and its figures for rainfall are also due to be published later this week. They are likely to show the UK has experienced one of its driest springs, despite heavy downpours in some areas in recent days.